During the 17th-century reign of Britain`s Charles II a young physician is taken into the decadent court of the King. His talents for healing are overtaken by his even greater talents for debauchery, and he is exiled after falling in love with his wife--the king`s mistress. On the outside, he rediscovers his true calling in the plague-infested streets of London. Based on Rose Tremain`s 1989 novel. Academy Awards: 2, including Best Costume Design and Best Art Direction.